Factors affecting the choice and usage of glucometers in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Introduction. Glucometers are the most available devices for glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Changing social conditions and development of modern technologies can influence patients' preferences.

Aim. To study the factors affecting the choice and usage of glucometers in children and adolescents with DM1 in real clinical practice

Materials and methods. In 06.2020-05.2021, 107 patients 12.0 (8.8; 15.0) years with DM1 for 4.4 (2.0; 7.6) years filled in a questionnaire about the usage of glucometers.

Results and discussion. While questioning patients used glucometers Contour (34 patients, 31.7%), OneTouch (33, 30.8%), Accu-Check (33, 30.8%), Satellit (3, 2.8%), AiChek (1, 0.9%), Easy Touch (1, 0.9%). Children start to use glucometer together with parents at 4.5 (4.0; 5.3) years, by themselves - at 6.0 (5.0; 7.0) years. Do not clean hands before finger puncture 55 (51.4%) patients, use wet wipes - 24 (22.4%), use antiseptics - 26 (24.3%), wash hands with soap - 2 (1.9%). Episodes of inflammation at the sites of punctures were reported by 21 patients (19.6%); patients using antiseptics faced with inflammation significantly rarer than others - OR = 2.7 (95% CI 0.6-12.6). Errors of glucometers were reported by 48 (44.9%) patients independently to method how they clean hands. Choosing glucometers patients pay attention to accuracy (76, 71.0%), blood drop volume (48, 44.9%), memory amount (22, 20.6%), size of device (22, 20.6%), mobile application (17, 15.9%), invisibility (10, 9.3%), design (7, 6.5%); and lightening, comfortable blood pin, battery indicator, possibility to add blood sample (1 per each, 0.9%).

Conclusion. Children and adolescents with DM1 use glucometers Contour, OneTouch, and Accu-Check more often. Self-dependent usage of glucometers starts at preschool age. The majority of patients do not clean hands before puncture of a finger; antiseptics usage decreases the probability of inflammation. Choosing glucometers patients pay attention to technical characteristics and comfort.

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